A wide range of tools is currently available to assess the management effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This can make the selection process complex for practitioners.
To support MPA managers in this task, ETC-UMA has developed a new factsheet providing guidance on how to identify the most appropriate evaluation tools for specific contexts. The factsheet was produced within the framework of the Blue Connect project (EU Horizon Grant Agreement No. 101156759), in collaboration with project partners.
Figure 1: The factsheet is available in four languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese and Bulgarian) to aid communication with managers
The ETC-UMA team has conducted a literature review and coordinated a systematic evaluation of 21 management effectiveness evaluation tools with partners. The analysis included established tools like the METT and IMET, tools developed by Regional Sea Conventions and certification-focused tools like the Green List Standard. The results of this process have been summarised in a Blue Connect deliverable.
Figure 2: Core components of effective management processes to achieve desired conservation and social outcomes within an MPA.
The factsheet is the results of boiling down the insights from this detailed research into a practical guideline. The factsheet is designed to be used with an accompanying online tool selector – the two resources together provide a clear overview of available approaches, helping users navigate options based on their specific context, objectives, and resource availability. By improving the accessibility and comparability of these tools, the factsheet aims to facilitate future assessments and contribute to more informed and effective MPA management.
Feedback from users is welcome and will support further improvements of the resource. For access to the online tool, please contact Mar Otero (link to Mar’s homepage).
- EN – Selecting the Right Management Evaluation Tool for Your Marine Protected Area
- ES – Selección de una herramienta adecuada para evaluar la gestión de su Área Marina Protegida
- PT – Seleção da Ferramenta Adequada para Avaliar a Gestão das Áreas Marinhas Protegidas
- BU – Избор на подходящ инструмент за оценка на управлението на морска защитена територия